Third Derivative
Third Derivative (D3) is a global climate tech accelerator founded in 2020 by RMI and New Energy Nexus. It runs a flexible, virtual 18-month program that connects hardware-focused climate startups with investors, corporate partners, market experts and mentors. It also runs themed cohorts, such as the HSBC-backed Future Industries Partnership for Asia and the Middle East.
At a glance
Third Derivative key facts
- Deal terms
- The official startup page lists no fee, equity requirement or standard investment. Third-party profiles say D3 makes direct equity investments through a separate for-profit vehicle (unverified). The program is non-exclusive. Applicants need at least 2 full-time employees, a working prototype at TRL 4 or higher, and no basic science risk.
- Duration
- 18 months
- Format
- Remote
- Cohort locations
- Remote
- Stage
- seed, series a, series b
- Sectors
- climate, energy, industrials, hardware
- Application cycle
- Startups are admitted several times a year; admissions take about 3 months
Verified November 4, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
D3 accepts startups several times a year and publishes no fixed deadline. The Future Industries Partnership is currently accepting applications. A third-party listing showed an August 23, 2026 deadline for the Global Climate Tech Accelerator; that is unverified and has passed.
See all upcoming accelerator deadlines
Notable alumni
- Mission Zero Technologies
- TS Conductor
- Mirico
- Hydgen
FAQ
Applying to Third Derivative
- How much does Third Derivative invest?
- Third Derivative's standard deal: The official startup page lists no fee, equity requirement or standard investment. Third-party profiles say D3 makes direct equity investments through a separate for-profit vehicle (unverified). The program is non-exclusive. Applicants need at least 2 full-time employees, a working prototype at TRL 4 or higher, and no basic science risk.
- When is the Third Derivative application deadline?
- Application cycle: Startups are admitted several times a year; admissions take about 3 months. D3 accepts startups several times a year and publishes no fixed deadline. The Future Industries Partnership is currently accepting applications. A third-party listing showed an August 23, 2026 deadline for the Global Climate Tech Accelerator; that is unverified and has passed.
- Where is Third Derivative based?
- The program runs remote.
Preparing answers? Our accelerator application tips cover what reviewers look for.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Elemental Impact | — | — | Honolulu, United States | hybrid |
| Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator | — | No equity | Seattle, United States | — |
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